Guangzhou's Yongqing Fang Citywalk 📷: Your Photo Hit List & Visual Route Guide!

[Lorena Runolfsson]

Hello everyone! I recently explored the entire Yongqing Lane area inside and out, taking a lot of photos!

Some people believe that this place is overly "commercialized," almost like it was constructed specifically for tourists. However, to be honest, the transportation here is very convenient, and it's truly a great spot for photography.

Yongqing Lane is a restored neighborhood within the old city area of Guangzhou. It is reminiscent of Nanluoguxiang in Beijing or Tianzifang in Shanghai — a mix of traditional old buildings and newly added shops.

I've made a route map to make your photo shoot experience even more enjoyable. I hope you find it useful:

• Recommended Route (Reference Picture 2 if available):

  • ① Entrance Arch of Yongqing Lane
    • This is a grand Chinese-style arch at the entrance, easy to find. Take a 'visitor' picture here before you continue with the tour. (If using a map, search for a store called "LEFT RIGHT"; the arch is located nearby.)
  • ② Classic Photography Spot of Yongqing Lane
    • One can capture a scenic view with a feel of Lingnan water towns on display here. (Navigate to a dessert shop named "Guangdong Southern Xin Sugar Water," with the classic photo spot right beside it.)
  • ③ Home of Bruce Lee's (International Martial Arts Star of the Past) Ancestors
    • The ancestral home of the legendary martial arts star, Bruce Lee. Many foreigners would know him, so it's worth exploring.
  • ④ Guangdong Opera Culture Museum
    • Recommended to enter from the East Gate 1. Cantonese Opera is a famous traditional opera in Guangdong, similar to Peking Opera but having different singing style and music form. The museum itself is architecturally attractive and deserves a tour.
  • ⑤ Sorrel Saying Barbecue External Graffiti Wall (First Store in Lichuan District)
    • There is an impressive graffiti wall outside the barbecue dining shop which makes a great backdrop for individualistic pictures.
  • ⑥ Enning-193 Creative Market
    • A place with a variety of small arts and crafts stalls. In particular, a wall named "Three Lives Trust" has many engravings that also make good photo spots.
  • ⑦ Xunxun Fermentation Wall of the Yongqing Lane Branch
    • Another creative wall covered with inscriptions, suitable for an additional photo session.
  • ⑧ UNPOP STORE (Yongqing Lane Branch) Unique Guangzhou Slogan Bags
    • There are shopping bags printed with the title 'Guangzhou', which can be looked into as souvenirs. Purchase them or not, up to you.
  • ⑨ Book House by Zhongshu (Yongqing Lane Branch)
    • A well-designed bookstore present across multiple cities in China, renowned nationwide for its unique interior layout.
  • ⑩ Creativity Ice Cream of the Yongqing Lane Store
    • The creative ice cream, known as 'Cultural Ice Cream', resembles local landmarks – giving it both a visual appeal and taste to be savored, making it also perfect as a prop for photoshoots.

• ️ Timetable:

  • Although it seems there are ten spots to check out, in reality, most locations are close by, requiring only about one to two hours for both tours and photos.

• 🥤 Food & Drink Breaks:

  • There are a lot of coffee shops around Yongqing Lane, but to my knowledge, there aren't a specific number of design-savvy 'Internet Celebrity' themed cafes.
  • In case of getting tired, stopping by any random café will do, or if you prefer a quieter setting, the interior of the Guangdong Opera Culture Museum is also pretty tranquil.

• Cost:

  • Visiting all the above photo spots is completely free, no entry tickets are required!

• ️ Final Notes & Recommendations:

  • Important Note – Best Visit Time: After morning 10 a.m.
    - At that time, most small shops, coffee houses, and craft shops have already opened. Going too early results in less bustle and fewer open stores, possibly affecting the experience of taking pictures and window shopping negatively.
    • Busy Weekends: Beware that weekends and holidays may lead to larger crowds. To avoid it, opting for weekdays might be more suitable.
    • Photography Manners: Remember, some old buildings may still have residents living there. Be mindful when shooting to avoid annoying the inhabitants.

[Faye O'Conner]

This is a super helpful guide!

[Kay Oberbrunner]

Haha, glad I could help everyone out!

[Lucille Borer]

Can I go visit by myself?

[Dr. Mandy Walter-Reichert]

Why not? Haha.

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

Hi! About how long would it take to wander around Yongqing Fang? I'm planning to arrive at Tao Tao Ju after 1 PM. After eating, I'll look around a bit, then head to Beijing Road for some fun, and in the evening, go near Haixin Bridge to see the Canton Tower. Will that be too rushed?

[Priscilla Marquardt IV]

If you're not planning to browse every single shop, one or two hours should be enough. I managed to see it all in just over an hour.

[Beatrice Thiel]

No crowds, no need to rush!

[Mr. Carlton Johnston]

It's way too crowded.

[Guadalupe Barton]

Haha, well, it's the holidays!

[Mrs. Beverly Glover-Crist]

Just arrived in Guangzhou today, I'll follow this guide tomorrow!

[Elsa Wyman]

Hope it helps you!

[Pamela Miller]

Is it convenient to walk around with luggage?

[Kevin Harris]

No, not really.

[Leland Erdman]

Will it be very hot and crowded if I go now? I'm planning to go on Saturday.

[Sammy Schiller]

Isn't that today?

[Josephine Cremin]

Wow, thank you for making it so clear! We'll definitely visit the spots you recommended.

[Melinda Wilderman]

You're welcome! It's designed to be an easy and scenic route. Just a heads up, some recommended spots are more about the charming details than grand spectacles, so don't be disappointed if they're not all super grand, haha!

[Dr. Israel McLaughlin]

Do I need to make a reservation?

[Mattie Lockman]

No, it's a completely open street area. The Cantonese Opera Museum does require a reservation, but unless it's a public holiday, you can usually get a spot by booking on the same day.